1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
Since this story is being told by one person, we begin on stage. The play is set in the 1960’s on a California section considered the “west side”. The main character named Brenda works at her Father's pharmacy with her other siblings. She meets a young boy, Collie, and begins dating him. Brenda and Collie go to a high school away from the westside. As the play progresses, Brenda and Collie begin to partake in very different lives. Brenda continues on the educational track, While Collie gets involved with illegal drug trading and gang life.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion occurs when we find out Collie has become a wealthy drug dealer. This brings Brenda back to him and the play then begins to move forward.
3. What is the unique factor?
The unique factor is the relationship between our main characters, Smoke, Brenda, Collie, and Sherry. The similar bond that smoke and collie had in their youth, leads them to begin selling drugs, which results in them becoming rivals and smoke killing collie and aunt mary.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Brenda live a "normal life" in her society based on her experiences and relationships? What will become of Brenda and Collie's relationship?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
All the characters know the current ethical problems in the play but seem to see them as normal life.
We do not find out about Collie's illegal drug affairs until he gives us a clue.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
The gunfight between Collie and Smoke. This scene was very intense given the final unexpected outcome.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Some themes in this play are socioeconomic inequality, gender roles, gang violence, deception, and racial profiling.
8. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
Brenda wants a life away from the place where she grew up. She does this by becoming a teacher and focuses on helping people in her situation. She also finds Collie’s lifestyle appealing, and she cannot help but stay with him. Sherry and Smoke have a similar situation as Brenda and Collie.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
Aunt Mary's garden was a reshaven for all good things in Brenda's life. In the final scene, we see that red roses fall in this same garden. Blood was shed and the meaning of love and union this garden brought would chance for the worst.
10. Briefly, define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
Brenda loves her family. In a discussion between her and her father, we see that her true priorities tend to be to get away from the life she knows in the west side, even if it meant to leave her family behind.
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
Since this story is being told by one person, we begin on stage. The play is set in the 1960’s on a California section considered the “west side”. The main character named Brenda works at her Father's pharmacy with her other siblings. She meets a young boy, Collie, and begins dating him. Brenda and Collie go to a high school away from the westside. As the play progresses, Brenda and Collie begin to partake in very different lives. Brenda continues on the educational track, While Collie gets involved with illegal drug trading and gang life.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion occurs when we find out Collie has become a wealthy drug dealer. This brings Brenda back to him and the play then begins to move forward.
3. What is the unique factor?
The unique factor is the relationship between our main characters, Smoke, Brenda, Collie, and Sherry. The similar bond that smoke and collie had in their youth, leads them to begin selling drugs, which results in them becoming rivals and smoke killing collie and aunt mary.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Brenda live a "normal life" in her society based on her experiences and relationships? What will become of Brenda and Collie's relationship?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
All the characters know the current ethical problems in the play but seem to see them as normal life.
We do not find out about Collie's illegal drug affairs until he gives us a clue.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
The gunfight between Collie and Smoke. This scene was very intense given the final unexpected outcome.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Some themes in this play are socioeconomic inequality, gender roles, gang violence, deception, and racial profiling.
8. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
Brenda wants a life away from the place where she grew up. She does this by becoming a teacher and focuses on helping people in her situation. She also finds Collie’s lifestyle appealing, and she cannot help but stay with him. Sherry and Smoke have a similar situation as Brenda and Collie.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
Aunt Mary's garden was a reshaven for all good things in Brenda's life. In the final scene, we see that red roses fall in this same garden. Blood was shed and the meaning of love and union this garden brought would chance for the worst.
10. Briefly, define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
Brenda loves her family. In a discussion between her and her father, we see that her true priorities tend to be to get away from the life she knows in the west side, even if it meant to leave her family behind.